Aquatic invasive species (AIS) are non-native plants, animals and pathogens that live mainly in water. AIS tend to thrive in waters where they are introduced due to the absence of natural predators. AIS can quickly outcompete native plants and animals posing a major threat to our natural resources, economy and public health. Education is essential in preventing new introductions and spread of Aquatic Invasive Species throughout St. Louis County waters. You Can Help by becoming a St. Louis River Alliance Aquatic Invasive Species Sentry. Read More…

After months of public meetings and negotiations, the final details of the state’s biennial budget were worked out by the Governor and legislative leaders from both parties in closed-door meetings. The group met at all hours during the final week of the regular session to negotiate the details of the state budget.

Less controversial budget bills were passed on May 21st and early on May 22nd, the final day of the regular session. Leaders emerged late on May 22nd with an agreement to have a special session where details on HHS, E-12 Education, State Government, Taxes, Transportation, and Bonding would be determined. It took the legislature four additional days of special session, but a full budget along with bills for Taxes, Transportation, and Bonding were passed. Read More…

The St. Louis River Alliance, the City of Duluth and its partners are working with local stakeholders to plan for a National Water Trail designation on the St. Louis River. The estuary has a rich natural and industrial history dating back to the areas indigenous peoples. Once considered one of the most polluted waterways in the United States, it is slowly and painstakingly being restored to health and will likely be delisted as an AOC (Area of Concern) within 10 years. Read More…

The St. Louis River Alliance (SLRA) is sponsoring a photo contest to celebrate the seasons and beauty of the largest U.S. river that flows into Lake Superior.

We are looking for striking digital images that highlight the diverse flora, wildlife, and recreational activities that connect people to their natural habitat. SLRA will feature many of the photographs submitted to this contest in its efforts to help protect the river’s amazing diversity of wildlife, people, plants and habitats. Read More…

Piping Plover are extremely rare shorebirds in the Great Lakes and are listed as critically endangered. The St. Louis River Alliance is working with state and federal agencies to attract nesting piping plovers to Minnesota and Wisconsin Point beaches. Please join us in our efforts to protect their habitat and educate others about this rare shorebird.

The Phragmites Removal program is a project funded through the St. Louis County Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Program. The objective of the program is to remove non-native Phragmites from the St. Louis River Estuary.

The St. Louis County Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Plan lists nonnative Phragmites as an aquatic invasive species. It’s presence in the Estuary is of concern because considerable public resources have been spent, and will be spent, to restore aquatic habitat, which will be compromised. It creates a very dense stand that may grow to 12 feet in height that suppresses other vegetation and wildlife. Read More…

As the restoration and remediation process continues throughout the St. Louis River Estuary Area of Concern– more and more people from the Twin Ports Region and afar are traveling to enjoy a “world class fishing experience” on the St. Louis River. The St. Louis River Alliance is coordinating the installation of Monofilament Recycling Bins to safely collect, track and recycle discarded monofilament line. These bins will encourage anglers to dispose of their monofilament line easily and properly reducing harmful effects to wildlife and the environment as well as preventing possible damage to boats due to prop entanglement. Volunteers will collect the monofilament recycled in each bin on a regular basis with our “Adopt-a-Bin program”.

Event Calendar

River Video Viewpoints

The Great Lakes, a vital asset to 35 million residents, have a legacy of pollution due to our nation's industrial past. The Great Legacy Act revitalizes rivers, lakes, and harbors, known as Areas of Concern, helping to restore lost benefits. Click on the video to see how!